Cautious but willing : Archbishop James Morrison, fourth Bishop of Antigonish

Abstract

James Morrison was Bishop of Antigonish from 1912-1950. He represented the last of the remote, powerful and austere 19[superscript th] century style Catholic bishops who were modeled in a time when their power went unchallenged. He belonged to a generation of men who directed the Catholic Church through a time of enormous social and economic unrest; who faced difficult challenges while trying to maintain their traditional grasp on the laity. He was a prudent, cautious and pragmatic bishop, but he was also aware of the issues that the diocese faced and was willing to step aside and allow those best suited to face the issues a chance to do so. Exceedingly afraid of debt, Morrison steered Antigonish through two world wars and a devastated Maritime economy and managed to keep the diocese in healthy financial condition. He supported the implementation of the Saint Francis Xavier University extension department and the actions of its workers. His abilities as an administrator were first-rate and although he was open to suggestions, he could be stringent if challenged. The understanding of the Antigonish Movement is incomplete unless one understands the actions and motives of Archbishop James Morrison.